How Are Heart and Lung Diseases Rated?

The VA relies on medical records and tests to determine ratings for heart and lung diseases.

Summary

• VA ratings for heart disease are based on medication use, medical imaging showing cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation, and MET stress test results which measure the exertion level needed to induce symptoms.
• The level of METs where a veteran’s heart disease symptoms appear is negatively correlated with their VA disability rating.
• VA ratings for lung diseases primarily depend on the results of Pulmonary Function Tests, particularly spirometry tests measuring Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1).
• The VA uses spirometry results to measure the severity of a veteran’s restrictive or obstructive lung disease and decide their VA disability rating.

Generally speaking, the VA’s method for rating heart and lung diseases relies on a few metrics, including the results of specific medical tests designed to evaluate organ functionality.

Consequently, Compensation and Pension exams tend to play a significant role in these types of VA disability claims. Our team understands that this can place a lot of stress on veterans dealing with debilitating heart and lung diseases.

VetLaw has helped countless veterans across the country secure the VA disability ratings and benefits they deserve for service-related heart and lung diseases. You can schedule a free consultation with us by calling (855) 573-1503 or submitting a contact form. 

VA Criteria for Rating Heart Disease in Veterans Disability Claims

The VA has a system to determine the veteran’s VA disability rating for heart disease, which has three components, in most cases. In an average VA disability claim for heart disease, the VA will look at the following factors to assign a rating: 

• whether the vet is taking medication for their condition
• if medical imaging shows they have cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation
• the results of the veteran’s METs stress test

Applying Stress Test Data to a VA Heart Disease Disability Claim

For veterans who are unfamiliar with how a METs test works, basically, the VA uses it to assess how much exertion it takes to induce symptoms of an overworked heart. Here’s what to expect if you undergo a METs stress test to determine your VA heart disease rating:

• The VA’s procedure for issuing a rating often includes conducting a stress test as part of a C&P exam. 
• During the test, the provider monitors heart activity while the veteran performs an exercise, like running on a treadmill. 
• As the provider increases the difficulty of the test, they note symptoms of cardiac stress and the corresponding level of exertion.

Each exercise level is quantified in terms of Metabolic Equivalents (METs), which indicate how much energy a task should require. 1 MET corresponds with a resting state. Symptoms of cardiac stress, such as fatigue and chest pain, appear at lower MET levels for veterans with heart disease than they do for those without cardiac issues. 

Understanding the VA Rating Schedule for Heart Disease

So, if a veteran displayed symptoms of cardiac strain at a very low MET level, which should require little energy, that would warrant a higher VA disability rating for their physical condition claim.

A veteran’s MET test results, in conjunction with their medication use and medical imaging results, inform the VA’s decision.

Heart Disease Disability Ratings and Their Corresponding MET Ranges

The VA rates heart disease at the following levels: 

10% VA disability: Symptoms appear at 7 to 10 METs. This level of METs includes more vigorous exercise activities like jogging. Vets who are on continuous medication to manage their heart disease symptoms may also be eligible. 

30% VA disability: Symptoms occur at 5 to 7 METs. Activities in this MET range would include moderate intensity like riding a stationary bike or digging a hole with a shovel.

60% VA disability: Symptoms arise at 3 to 5 METs. Walking, gardening, and raking leaves are examples of this level of exertion. Veterans who suffered from heart failure within the last year may also qualify for a VA heart disease rating at this level.

100% VA disability: Symptoms present at 1 to 3 METs. This MET range includes simple daily activities like getting dressed or eating. Vets with chronic congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, or other severe cardiovascular issues can also qualify for 100% VA disability benefits.

If a vet has surgery to treat their service-related heart disease, such as receiving a pacemaker or a new heart valve, they may also be eligible for 100% VA disability.

Explaining How the VA Decides Ratings for Lung Diseases

To determine the appropriate VA disability rating for a service-related respiratory condition, the VA uses Pulmonary Function Tests to evaluate how well a veteran is able to intake and distribute oxygen. The VA typically uses a simple type of Pulmonary Function Test called a spirometry test. This process consists of the following:

• A veteran submits to a spirometry test as a part of a C&P exam or prior medical evaluation.
• The spirometry test itself requires the vet to take a deep breath and then blow as hard as they can into a small device for several seconds.
• Based on the amount of air the veteran exhales and the force with which they do so, providers can diagnose or measure the progression of a lung condition.

Interpreting Spirometry Results to Determine A Veteran’s VA Disability Rating

Spirometry test results can be quantified in multiple ways. When rating service-related lung conditions, the VA will look at the veteran’s forced vital capacity (FVC). This represents the amount of liters that the veteran was able to exhale.

Additionally, the VA considers forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) in disability claims for obstructive lung diseases. A veteran’s FEV1 value represents how much air they exhaled in the first second of the spirometry test.

Then, this value is compared to the typical healthy FVC for their demographic and converted into a percentage. A low FEV1 percentage can indicate the veteran suffers from an obstructive lung disease or condition. 

Additionally, if the veteran’s FEV1 accounts for a low percentage of the total amount of air they exhaled (the FVC) as compared to a healthy individual’s FEV1/FVC percentage, they may qualify for a VA disability rating for a restrictive lung condition. 

VA Rating Schedule for Lung Diseases Related to Military Service

Usually, the lower a veteran’s FVC or ratio of FEV1 to FVC, the higher the VA will rate their chronic lung disease or condition. Depending on the specific lung disease you have, VA rating criteria will likely vary.

It may also include additional requirements beyond a certain FVC or FEV1/FVC range. The following is a general guide to how the VA rates lung diseases based on spirometry metrics:

Rating Obstructive Lung Conditions Based on FEV1 Results

Remember, the percentages represent a veteran’s FEV1 results as compared to a healthy person’s FEV1 results, controlling for age, gender, and weight.

10% VA disability rating: FEV1 is between 71% and 80%.

30% VA disability rating: FEV1 is between 56% and 70%.

60% VA disability rating: FEV1 is between 55% and 40%

100% VA disability rating: FEV1 is under 40%.

Rating Criteria for Restrictive Lung Conditions Using FVC and FEV1 Results

The VA uses both components of the spirometry test to assess a veteran’s level of disability for restrictive lung conditions. 

10% VA disability rating: FEV1/FVC is between 71% and 80%.

30% VA disability rating: FEV1/FVC is between 56% and 70%.

60% VA disability rating: FEV1/FVC is between 55% and 40%

100% VA disability rating: FEV1/FVC is under 40%.

Get in Touch With VetLaw to Appeal Your VA Rating for a Heart Disease or Lung Condition

At VetLaw, we specialize in helping vets appeal unfair and erroneous VA decisions so they can claim the VA disability benefits their condition warrants. Whether you are trying to increase your VA rating for a heart or lung disease, overcome a benefits denial, or add a secondary condition, our veterans disability claims attorneys can help.

We understand how veterans disability claims are decided, and we can offer you a detailed strategy to secure compensation for your service-connected heart or lung conditions. Schedule a free consultation with us by calling (855) 573-1503 or submitting a contact form. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can veterans receive VA disability benefits for pre-existing heart conditions?

If you have medical records proving your heart disease pre-dated your military service and your military service accelerated the progression of your heart disease, you may be able to secure VA disability benefits for a pre-existing condition.

Many heart conditions disqualify individuals from military service. Therefore, documentation establishing when the condition emerged is crucial in these types of VA disability claims.

What is the difference between restrictive and obstructive lung conditions in veterans?

Veterans with restrictive lung conditions experience limited lung capacity. This makes it difficult for their body to obtain and circulate oxygen. With obstructive lung conditions, veterans can hold adequate oxygen in their lungs, but they are unable to expel it. Consequently, their lung volume is higher than it should be.  

What type of medical imaging does the VA use to rate heart disease?

In addition to a stress test, the VA also considers a veteran’s medical records when deciding their disability rating for heart disease. Medical imaging is often a crucial part of these records. The VA may rely on or request an electrocardiogram, X-ray, or echocardiogram, among other tests, to check for cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation.